Advice on Buying a Pack
First, consider borrowing a pack instead of buying
Chose the right fit
- Are you still growing?
- What is your torso length? torso length is the distance between:
- 7th vertebrae (the lump on the back of your neck near the tops of your shoulders).
- the top of your pelvis (hip crest).
Is the pack 'well-designed'?
- padded Shoulder straps
- padded hip belt
- sternum strap
- load control straps
- stabilizer straps
- compression straps
Solid construction?
- Grommets, webbing, or other reinforcements where pack attaches to frame.
- Double cloth or other reinforcement where straps attach or where lashing points are provided.
- Heavier material on bottom of internal frames where they "sit" on the ground.
- Compression straps across front-loading zippered major compartments.
- Seams that are "rolled and wrapped" or sealed
- Standard buckles, quick releases/snaps, and pin & rings
Is there sufficient storage space?
- 3200-4500 in^3 for an external frame pack
- 4500-6000 in^3 for an internal frame pack
Are there enough places to hide stuff?
- how many external pockets (at least 3)?
- D-rings on shoulder straps?
- lashing points (upper, lower, daisy chain)?
Are there places for two quarts of water?
- water bottle holder
- camelback bladder holder
Does the pack weigh less than 6 pounds (preferably about 4 lbs)?
How water-proof is the pack?
Extras?
- beaver Tail
- ski holders
- ice ax holders (quick release)
- crampon holders
- haul loop
- main compartment extender
- fits under an airplane seat?
- camera/GPS/cell-phone pouch on shoulder strap
Does it cost between $75-$175?
Bibliography (taken from):
- http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/r/p/rpc1/bbb/buypack.htm